Turmoil hits Miss Blantyre over ‘fixed’ winner: Models in pool bash

There has been a crisis at the Miss Blantyre pageant after one of the models has claimed the beauty contest has been fixed by organisers to ensure that it should be won by contestant Maggie Mendes .

Mendes is the daughter of the pageant’s executive director Samantha Crozier.

The rumour is said to have been spread by one of the aspiring Miss Blantyre queens Madalitso Nthepa who is said to have claimed that Red Rose Agency has already selected Mendes as a winner.

However, after being threatened with a lawsuit, Nthepa has apologised and that plans to sue her have been withdrawn, the pageant’s public relations officer Kelvin Sulungwe confirmed.

Some of the models taking part in the Miss Blantyre contest

Last Saturday, at Mkango Lodge hundreds of patrons graced “The Models Pool Bash”, a pre-event for the Miss Blantyre beauty pageant which is scheduled for early December next month.

Despite only featuring up and coming artists as headliners, the mammoth of fun guzzlers from all corners of Blantyre and surrounding districts present at Mkango lodge proved beyond doubt the proficiency behind the organizers.

Sulugwe said that the models pool bash evidently demonstrated the team’s abilities in modeling and event management.

“We are grateful to the patrons who graced the bash. It was quite exciting to see not only young people, but different age-ranges among the patrons; including families. We owe much to them”, said Sulugwe.

According to him, the models pool bash was part of their fundraising for the forthcoming pageant.

“The bash has really helped us raise money for the actual show. We are grateful to various companies and individuals who also helped us to have this event; particularly, Rashid Gaffar who is taking a step ahead in supporting youth activities. Apart from the bash, Mr. Gaffar made some financial contributions for the Miss Blantyre beauty pageant. Rashy has contributed towards the prize money for the winners and other necessities.

“Individuals like Rashy are what mother Malawi needs. As models with a purpose, the crowned Miss Blantyre and her team of models will be engaged in various activities for charity. Thus, the forthcoming event is more than a beauty pageant as it enhances youth development, empowerment and active citizenship all of which suits with some of government core priority areas as stimulated in the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy II.

“In this regard, Rashy’s support gives us courage and assurance that there are individuals out there who are passionate about people’s welfare. And the same goes to Kings Print Media for their timely support. But the door to sponsor the pageant is still open for other well-wishers,” Sulugwe pleaded.

He also explained that the cross-cutting audience that attended the bash serve as valid evidence that Miss Blantyre beauty pageant, with its legacy as the first and oldest, is one of the few youth-oriented and family-friendly social events in Malawi.

In addition to swimming, the models’ pool bash had patrons accorded the opportunity to interact and pose for pictures with some of the models shortlisted to contest for the Miss Blantyre crown.

Artists such as Excess, Aycee James, Pon G, Weapon and Bucc among other artists provided the audience with thrilling performances.

Miss Blantyre beauty pageant is scheduled to take place on 6th December at Malawi Sun Hotel’s Jupiter Hall with the winner tipped to walk away with a whooping K350,000.000.